Help:) [Archive] - GuitarsCanada.com - The Canadian Guitar Forum

cycro27

10-23-2007, 10:35 PM

Hey guys i'm just a beginner to the whole guitar scene and have been looking around for guitars and have narrowed it down to either the epiphone Les paul special II or the Ibanez GRX20. Which one do you think would be best for a starter like me. I have read really good reviews about both. I also understand that the special II comes in some form of package aswell. As for shape I kidna like both so you guys help with which would be best.

(P.S. the style of music I woudl like to play is kidna undefined, just looking for an overall type of guitar.)

Also do you think it woudl be better to buy and LP-100 instead, or am I right when im thinking to save the slighlty higher priced guitars fo rlater.

Lastly, could you suggest an amp, maybe even a pedal (cheap one im guessing XD)? I'm looking to spend around $250 or maybe $300.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP :D

jane

10-23-2007, 11:15 PM

Of the 2, I'd go for the epiphone, personally, but that's just me. Do you definitely want a guitar w/ 2 humbuckers? Because otherwise, I'd consider squier strats and yamahas as well. Either way, go to a store and play they both. Is that $250-300 budget for a guitar and an amp? I'd recommend something like a roland cube or vox avt. I have a Fender 15G and it's not half bad... *shrugs* I'd hold off on the pedals until later...unless you really want one :D

Telenator

10-23-2007, 11:31 PM

Did you try both guitars or is this sight unseen?

I don't know anything about these guitars but if it was me I'd stay away from a budget beginning guitar with any type of no name tremolo system. It might not be the case with the Ibanez but in my experience, low end beginner guitars with tremolos suffer from constant tuning problems.

That being said I'd go for the Epiphone, and I betcha dollars to donuts you won't notice a stitch of difference in the quality of a $150 LP Special 2 compared to a $180 LP 100.

As for the pedals. Don't buy pedals right away, save up over time and buy quality pedals, stay away from the cheap stuff. Get an amp that has built in fx instead.

Telenator

10-23-2007, 11:37 PM

Jane I pretty much copied you word for word not intentional at all. Couldn't agree more with you.

jane

10-24-2007, 12:17 AM

Jane I pretty much copied you word for word not intentional at all. Couldn't agree more with you.

It's all good :D

And yeah - I remember trying an epiphone special II and the L-100 when I was first guitar shopping... put the $$ towards a nicer amp.

I've never tried an Ibanez GRX20 but I did try the GAX20... it wasn't my thing but IIRC, it doesn't have a tremelo system so check that out too.

cycro27

10-24-2007, 08:35 AM

Thanks guys for the help:D. And I have tried out the special II and its nice and heavy, but haven't gotten to try the ibanez as of yet. Also I understad that the speical II also comes in some form of starter pack. I hear those amps are kinda crappy though. Would you suggest that pack or to buy it all sperately?:smile:

jane

10-24-2007, 08:36 AM

david henman

10-24-2007, 08:55 AM

...you're getting some excellent advice here, especially regarding actually picking the guitar up and playing it before you buy it. that is very important.

-dh

al3d

10-24-2007, 10:37 AM

NEVER FORGET, a Guitar is just like a woman, it's slick, sexy, etc etc, and it as most likely a temper..:), it therefor needs to match yours..:), then it's pure magic for ever....unlike most marriages :sport-smiley-002:

cycro27

10-24-2007, 04:40 PM

ahahah funny comment al3d XD. And yes I have tried the special II and I quite like it, but I have not tried out the Ibanez yet. How much will it cost me if I get the special II or ibanez with a good quality amp, picks, strap, gig bag, tuner and stand hmmm.... RESEARCH TIME XD. Btw THANKS GUYS U ALL ROCK:rockon:

millenium_03

10-24-2007, 05:11 PM

For the amp.... if you have to spend 250 - 300... go fot Roland Cube 30X that is what I suggest you. I got it and it's pretty versatile. multiple effect, 30 watt, many option.... I recommand you for beginning, later buy something bigger, but check this amp in the store... pretty good...

cycro27

10-24-2007, 06:21 PM

haha I dont wanna spend 250 on the amp:P I wanna try to get the guitar, amp and accessories and what not for around $250 - $300. I wouldn't midn a kinda ok amp for now. MAybe around $50- $80 for the amp? Have any of you tried the ibanez GRX20 before. It seems to have slightly better reviews then the Special II :S

GuitaristZ

10-24-2007, 07:58 PM

get a squier and be done with it...amazing guitars for the price, but make sure you play a few of them at a store and pick the best one as there are some bad ones I hear.

then buy yourself a roland cube amp

overdriven1

10-24-2007, 08:53 PM

I bought my Laney Protube for 150 bucks and a modded squire strat(someone added a really hot humbucker, I later resold) for 129, they smoked together and then my birthday present was a behringer compressor, hey decent rig for less than 300 dollars. But I was kinda lucky methinks, loved that setup though.

Robboman

10-24-2007, 08:57 PM

I suggest you buy an acoustic guitar to get started on. Believe me, I understand the desire to play with high gain and effects, but all that stuff can really distract you from learning the basic notes and chords. I'd get some chops on the acoustic and later on get into the electric stuff. IMO.

cycro27

10-24-2007, 10:08 PM

I've already played acoustic a bit, because my cousin has one lol. I just wanna know a nice amp to go with my guitar ( I think I will probably go with the Epiphone Les Paul Special II). Rememebr I also wanna buy a gig bag, tuner, picks, strap and a stand for around $250-$300. BTW THANKS AGAIN FOR HELPING ME, U GUYS ROCK, really u guys rule:D:banana:

Renvas

10-24-2007, 10:17 PM

i would go for the LP special. u should try the guitar out if you can then you can decide if the sound is what ur looking for.

if your playing in a room, u can just buy a small 5w or 10w amp.

cycro27

10-24-2007, 11:36 PM

Yeah I will be playing a room and maybe outside once in a while, BTW I can't try out the Ibanez GRX20 cause the long and Mcquades by me doesn't have it in stock, and I have to get a stock exchange with another branch in order to buy it so I can't try it, I can only buy it :S

jane

10-25-2007, 08:37 AM

If you're going to be playing out with other guitars/a drummer, I don't think an amp in that range is going to cut it. I would suggest a Roland Cube. Or an Epiphone Junior Valve - I think that's like $130 at L&M. You should probably try those out too...

jane

10-25-2007, 11:17 AM

I know you said $250-300 but this looks really good: http://toronto.craigslist.org/msg/458978792.html

cycro27

10-25-2007, 04:41 PM

Wow Jane that actually seems like a REALLY good deal, but I don't think I can get it :( THANKS ANYWAYS FOR THE AWESOME FIND :D. HMMMM I still haven't gotten to try out that Ibanez GRX20 ARGHH XD

gearupmusic

10-26-2007, 09:55 PM

Hey man:

I would go for the ibenaz. I like epiphone too but i am not a big fan of the craftmanship for LP Special II. The frets are kinda rough.

:rockon:

cycro27

10-26-2007, 11:03 PM

HMMM majority are saying the Epiphone, but the Ibanez looks good OHH GOD hard decision, if only I coudl try the Ibanez, maybe ill ask the guy at the store if there is a guitar simialr to it so I can try it out :D. BTW do you guys think the amp that comes with the Epiphone in the starter pack would be good enough for me to learn off of? Or should I try to buy all seperatley . Thnxs:D

MetallicaRHCP

10-27-2007, 12:11 PM

I own an Ibanez GRX20, it was my first guitar, now I own a Strat. The GRX20 is a great starter guitar, with its double humbucker and so is the Epiphone Les paul special II. The Ibanez has a great tone for a starter guitar but I admit the Epiphone is much more diversified in styles of music. In my opinion the Ibanez's tone for distortion is much greater than the Epiphone's but the Epiphone is much greater for clean so you'll probably have to make your opinion depending on what style of music you like. As for amps, I own a Rolland cube 60 and they're awesome, but for a starter amp I suggest the Rolland Cube 15 which is much smaller but still has some decent effects and has a distortion and clean channel. If you are willing to spend a bit more now and save in the long run get the Cube 30. Oh, and DO NOT buy starter pack amps, they are really terrible, buy the guitars seperately!! I hope this helped.

cycro27

10-27-2007, 01:01 PM

jane

10-27-2007, 03:30 PM

I wouldn't recommend getting starter packs but when it comes down to it, if that's what you can afford, you'll be able to learn using the amps in the starter kits. Just know that they're not the greatest. I don't have a lot of experience with Crate stuff, but I really haven't read too many good things about them, unfortunately.

MetallicaRHCP

10-28-2007, 12:13 AM

HMM thnxs alot MetallicaRHCP :D. What colour of the GRX20 do you have and is it any different from the pics online? Plus hows the weight on the guitar? Also what do you guys think of this amp???
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Crate-Flexwave-Series-FW15-15W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481054

Thanks agian :D

I own a black GRX20:

http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/MetallicRHCP/?mediafilter=all

It's much more polished than the pics online as you can see lol. The weight of the guitar, like most starter guitars, is fairly light. As for the amp, I agree with jane. If you could, try the amps you have in mind and campare them, any try to get amps with built in effects if they are affordable. Also pay attention to the number of watts they have.

cycro27

10-28-2007, 12:41 AM

WOWOWOW nice guitar :D I went to long and mcquades today and the guy there told me it would be better to get the Epiphone Les Paul Special II cause its more versitle and cause it came in beter colours XD. Lol he also showed me this random amp for like $54.98 and he said it was quite a good amp, but I don't think it had any efects -.-". LOL but it was AMAZING I love that store:D. I held the wine red Special II and it was PRETTY DARN nice (nice and heavy) :D, but despite my amazing adventure today I'm still having trouble deciding.... argh lol. Thanks alot MetallicaRHCP, you and your smexy GRX20 pics have gotten me confused again XD

jane

10-28-2007, 01:13 AM

That sounds good :) I prefer the specal II in sunburst... but then again, I'm the kind of person who will end up with most my guitars and basses in blacks and sunbursts. Cycro27 - did you actually try to play the guitar? Because the epiphone will have a different neck profile than the ibanez and different people will prefer different neck profiles and I know it's hard for you to tell right now, but one deciding factor could be how the neck feels in your hand.

MetallicaRHCP - that Ibanez is nice... but I love that strat. mia? mim? Either way... damn, I think I need a white strat now too. GAS much?

cycro27

10-28-2007, 01:19 AM

Perkinsfan

10-28-2007, 07:11 AM

Personally, I'd skip the starter pack and get the guitar that feels best to you.
Then I'd take the money I saved by not getting the starter pack and put that towards a Epiphone valve junior amp.
YMMV however.

MetallicaRHCP

10-28-2007, 09:15 AM

LOL I can't exaclty play like a full tune:P I tried a couple of chords and played around with it for a while and I liked it :D, but I heard the Ibanez has a fast neck is this true:S? I also like how the Epiphone Les Paul Special II's headstock is bent backwards (typical for Les Pauls right?).

Yeah, it is a fast neck, which means the strings are very close to the neck, some also have these "dents" in the back to make it easier to find chord sequences without looking. They are great for shredding and sweep picking, and for many other types of solos. Thus, they aren't really meant for playing power chords and they have a smaller learning curve as well. The epiphone isn't a "fast neck", meaning it is great for strumming, power chords, but it doesn't mean you can't solo like the Ibanez, it'll just take a while to get used to it (like I said, it is very diversified). In my opinion fast necks are good to allow the user to learn solos faster, thus, getting their fingers nimble quicker. But those that aren't are great for your calluses and hand formations, in the long run that is. They take a while to get used to but it's worth it. Fast necks also could get a little tedious, that's why I bought a Strat.

As for Jane's question, yeah it is an American Strat and I don't know what you mean by GAS lol. Thanks for the compliment by the way.

jane

10-28-2007, 09:18 AM

As for Jane's question, yeah it is an American Strat and I don't know what you mean by GAS lol. Thanks for the compliment by the way.

Awesome. GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Ie. wanting more guitars & amps & whatever all the time. I'm not even someone who enjoys shopping in general - I can go to a mall and walk out with nothing or just one or two things. Music gear, however... I think I have more gear than my talent rates. :eek:

Oh well.

cycro27

10-28-2007, 12:37 PM

MetallicaRHCP

10-28-2007, 02:46 PM

OHH thanks for the definition MetallicaRHCP it was really helpful :D, I think I'll go with the Epiphone Les Paul Special II now, the only thing is if I buy a nice amp with my money won't I need things like a gig bag, tuner, stand etc?

Yeah, you will need a tuner, but you could sell it once you learn how to tune a guitar by year. You don't really need a gig bag unless you want to jam with a few friends or travel with your guitar, and a stand would be helpful to rest your guitar when your not playing it. Try to bargain and get a tuner for free, with a few picks, a strap, and a jack.

cycro27

10-28-2007, 02:50 PM

Hmm that sounds like a good idea:D, but is a jack the cable used to plug ur guitar into ur amp or is it something else:S?

MetallicaRHCP

10-28-2007, 02:52 PM

Awesome. GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Ie. wanting more guitars & amps & whatever all the time. I'm not even someone who enjoys shopping in general - I can go to a mall and walk out with nothing or just one or two things. Music gear, however... I think I have more gear than my talent rates. :eek:

Oh well.

Ah. Once I bought the strat I didn't want to go back to anything else. You could play just about anything with it, it never gets dull. Nevertheless, I still want a Fender Jaguar, lol, but I'm more than willing to wait.

MetallicaRHCP

10-28-2007, 02:53 PM

Hmm that sounds like a good idea:D, but is a jack the cable used to plug ur guitar into ur amp or is it something else:S?

Yep, to plug to your amp and tuner.

cycro27

10-28-2007, 03:32 PM

Alright cool maybe I'll try that then :D, thats alot more cash towards an amp :D. I hope to be able to try some amps next time I go then FINALLY buy this guitar so I can start playing :rockon2:

cycro27

10-29-2007, 04:37 PM

Hey guys do you think this pack would be any better????? http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=275&CollectionID=7
the amp seems to be upgraded... what do you guys think???? or should I still go with buy it all seperately???

GuitaristZ

10-29-2007, 08:27 PM

...squier strat pack...

cycro27

10-29-2007, 08:47 PM

greco

10-29-2007, 09:57 PM

Haha I saw the squier strat pack at Long and Mcqaudes and I have to say it looked nice but I'd much rather have a Les Paul shaped guitar and the Epiphone seems perfect:D just having trouble on deciding my amp now -.-"

Having any more luck deciding on an amp?

Go with LP style if you are drawn to it...liking the look/colour/shape of your guitar is important....it will make you want to play it more often. Sounds dumb, I know, but you ask others and they will EVENTUALLY admit that it is often a factor when they buy a guitar.

Try to be as sure as you can about the feel of the neck in your hand (as Jane mentioned)

Good luck...let us know as soon as you get something.

Dave

jane

10-29-2007, 10:42 PM

+1 on looks being important! Shallow, I know, but there's a reason why people pay extra for AAAAA maple tops. (IMO, that's taking it too far, but hey). Amps - with your budget and the fact that you'll have to factor in a tuner, etc... probably a Fender Frontman or Peavey Rage or one of those small Marshalls or a Roland Microcube (if you can swing it). I know a lot of people will tell you that they suck. You won't be able to gig with them, that's true, but it fits in your budget and you'll learn just as well on it :D

I'm sure I"m repeating something I've already said. Well... I tried. Good luck w/ your amp search and keep us posted on what you get!

cycro27

10-29-2007, 10:52 PM

Thanks guys:D, man it amazes me how friendly you people are, I would have NEVER gotten help like this on any other forum out there. Once I learn to play and PWN lol i'll owe alot of it to u guys. THANKS ALOT GUYS AND I'LL BE SURE TO LOOK UP THOSE AMPS:D

acdc54_caddy62

10-30-2007, 01:26 AM

If you were to get a starter pack I would suggest saving and getting this Epiphone starter pack here on musiciansfriends.com: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-and-Amp-Pack?sku=513157

Comes with a very nice LP Standard and a 15 watt amp. If in the future you wanna upgrade you would only have to upgrade the amp and not the guitar.

:smilie_flagge17:

cycro27

10-30-2007, 08:33 AM

I only wish I could get that pack acdc54 caddy62, but not enough cash right now lol XD. Plus I wanna learn before I get a pimped out guitart like that:P.

acdc54_caddy62

10-31-2007, 06:13 AM

Pimped out? That is minimum of pimp that you can get for the price.

Now this is pimped out: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Custom-Shop-Zakk-Wylde-Signature-Les-Paul-Electric-Guitar-Bulls-Eye?sku=517124

lol, hope you find something good for yourself though eh!

:smilie_flagge17:kjdr

jane

10-31-2007, 08:21 AM

I only wish I could get that pack acdc54 caddy62, but not enough cash right now lol XD. Plus I wanna learn before I get a pimped out guitart like that:P.

Ohh... evidently, my brain's on standby today because I forgot to mention the Epiphone Valve Junior as a pretty good amp... I think it was like $140 at L&M or something like that. (Maybe less now since it looks like some of their prices have gone down.)